Horses were tamed by humans thousands of years ago and have played an important role in agricultural transportation, production, and military warfare. On September 22, a horse-themed art exhibition in Beijing opened at Beijing Padma Art Space. Artists discussed public memory related to horses through their own experiences.

This exhibition hosted by the Beijing Padma Art Space, unites a total of 29 domestic contemporary young and middle-aged artists in one single space. The exhibition, which includes 50 works of oil painting, ink painting, photography, sculpture, and installations, is open from September 22 to November 21.

Sculptor Xia Hang, who is also the organizer of the exhibition, showed his latest creation, "the gift," a "Trojan rocking horse" made of 1,850 parts made of stainless steel and acrylic materials. Unlike other works of art, the rocking horse can be touched, played with, and moved back and forth. This sort of piece greatly increases the sense of interaction between the visitors and the artwork.

On the opening day, many distinguished guests and participating artists came to the event, including Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the People's Republic of China, who made a speech and expressed his love for Chinese culture.

Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri said that since ancient times, Arabs have a deep affection and love for horses. Horse culture has penetrated all aspects of Arab life. Today, it is very exciting to see so many Chinese artists using their own artistic language to express the way they see horses.

The exhibition brings together 29 young and middle-aged Chinese artists who, as an important force in contemporary art, are gradually emerging in the international market, such as the sculptor Ren Zhe, who previously collaborated with Adidas.

Today's young artists have a different and more diverse audience than their predecessors, said 99 art network. In recent years, China's contemporary art circle has become more and more involved in the development of creating art habits and has also given rise to painting galleries, the establishment of art galleries and art fairs.

"We will certainly meet new and more difficult challenges on the way forward, but I hope that we will leave a colorful and happy world for future generations after passing through all the rough roads," said You Jin, the oil painting artist.

Videographer: Li Ang

Video editor: Ace Liang